what kind of fish is this?

pcb0832

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I have received this big guy as a gift however I was never told what he is. So my question is what species of cichlid is this guy?

1454916597944392205525.jpg
 

krichardson

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That's a Tilapia buttikoferi and they can be aggressive when they are as big as that one looks to be.
 
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convict360

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uh-oh, Buttikoferi...cracking fish, but realistic only in 6 foot tanks minimum; with tank mates being at risk.
 

duanes

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Agree with the others, although it has recently been reassigned to the genus Hetertilapia. In nature they eat rhino dung as its being ejected in the river right from the rhinos arses, and they usually don't like to be with anything else, except in the largest of tanks. It was probably given away after started a killing spree.
 

fishnatics

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its a beast of a fish !!! there should be a buyers beware on that fish ! good find though they are interesting :)
Definitely agree. I learned the hard way. Bought a cute little one @ 2" was all cute and peaceful. Then it grew to 6" or so and all hell broke lose. Started terrorizing all its tank mates. Finally got rid of it and peace was restored. Beautiful fish indeed.
 

krichardson

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Rhino dung.......talk about having an acquired taste.
 
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FMA4ME

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Definitely agree. I learned the hard way. Bought a cute little one @ 2" was all cute and peaceful. Then it grew to 6" or so and all hell broke lose. Started terrorizing all its tank mates. Finally got rid of it and peace was restored. Beautiful fish indeed.
X2
 

duanes

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Oops , I meant to say Hippo dung.
And by the way, pellets will be a fine substitute for the dung.
Although maybe that's why they're usually so aggressive in tanks, just not getting enough of that tasty warm stuff makes them cranky.
 

convict360

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Oops , I meant to say Hippo dung.
And by the way, pellets will be a fine substitute for the dung.
Although maybe that's why they're usually so aggressive in tanks, just not getting enough of that tasty warm stuff makes them cranky.
lol, OP please don't do a turd in your tank
 
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